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TRAVEL NEWS

SwissPass: An essential guide for using Switzerland’s public transport ticket

Public transport across Switzerland became unified with the SwissPass in 2020. Here’s what you need to know about the ticket and how to make the most of it.

Published: 8 January 2020 16:08 CET
Updated: 18 January 2023 16:08 CET
SwissPass: An essential guide for using Switzerland's public transport ticket
Photo: Depositphotos

From different languages and culture to a variety of specialised laws, Switzerland’s federalised structure can be confusing and even frustrating in a number of ways. 

Ever frustrating to travellers, public transport has been no exception. Despite Switzerland’s small size, tickets bought in one area were often not valid for others. 

The SwissPass Alliance, launched on January 1st, 2020, changed all that, uniting public transport in Switzerland for the first time. 

Download the SwissPass app here. 

While the system may be much more convenient, one thing to keep in mind that hasn’t been unified is pricing. 

What are the latest updates?

A cashless payment function on the SwissPass came into effect after the SBB’s timetable change on December 11th 2022.

People using public transport can either register online at swisspass.ch/pay to obtain their Swisspass card and pay the same way they would with a credit or debit card – simply touch in with your contactless card at the payment terminal.

READ ALSO: SwissPass: How to pay contactless on public transport in Switzerland

Travellers who already own a SwissPass card can their old card for a new one after registering for the payment function.

A sample SwissPass card. Photo: SBB.ch

Together at last? 

Around 250 transport companies and 17 regional fare groups have been united under the one pass. 

While this makes things much easier for locals and travellers alike, the system is not as ‘united’ as it may seem – particularly when it comes to pricing. 

Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP

Pricing will still differ across Switzerland, meaning you may pay a different amount for a similar journey in different parts of the country. 

The main reason for this is Switzerland’s public transport funding system, which splits costs evenly between cantons and communes. 

READ MORE: The apps you need for getting around Switzerland

Andreas Büttiker, part of the SwissPass Alliance, told the press during a media conference on January 7th, 2020, that the system was designed to incorporate a degree of flexibility. 

“Transport companies are attached to a regional identity and need flexibility in prices, especially since half of regional transport is financially supported by the Cantons and the Communes”, Büttiker said. 

As yet, there are no plans to change the existing funding framework – meaning price variations will continue for the foreseeable future. 

The operators believed the system would be more profitable. As it is easier to use, more people are using it – removing a major barrier to public transport usage. 

“The aim is to get more customers here and to make it easier for customers to use,” said Büttiker. 

READ: Swiss trains trial electronic version of SwissPass

What about us technophobes and paper fans?

As tickets for public transport – along with pretty much everything else – move online, there’s always the risk that some people will be left behind. 

Fortunately for technophobes, fans of paper tickets and anyone who is running dangerously low on mobile battery, traditional tickets will remain available for the foreseeable future. 

SwissPass said during the press conference that it pledges to continue operating ticket machines across the country for anyone who can’t or won’t go digital. 

“Part of the population will still want advice and paper tickets, but the sale of digital tickets will continue to increase,” said Vice President Bernard Guillelmon. 

Other existing tickets and subscriptions will remain unchanged. 

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TRAVEL NEWS

Why is Switzerland going to collect a database of flight passengers?

Twenty years after the US began sharing a database of those flying in and out of the country in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Switzerland is set to follow suit - but not without some outside pressure. 

Published: 16 May 2024 15:51 CEST
Why is Switzerland going to collect a database of flight passengers?

Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems are databases that operate by flagging and tracking individuals who may pose a security risk. 

The data includes the name, destination, means of payment, and type of baggage for each passenger arriving or leaving a country via its airports. 

Until now, Switzerland has not participated in a PNR system in a way that allows data to be freely accessible to partners such as the EU and the US. 

Indeed, for years, it has been possible to circumvent the EU’s PNR systems by flying into Switzerland and crossing a land border with the EU. 

Now, however, Switzerland is being forced to comply. 

The United States has threatened Switzerland’s place in their Visa Waiver Program unless they share data. 

Similarly, the EU has applied significant diplomatic pressure to join their efforts – and considerable progress has already occurred, with agreements signed. 

Other countries have also signalled that Swiss carriers may withdraw their landing rights or impose heavy fines if Switzerland does not begin participating in a compliant PNR system. 

Changes in effect 2026

On Wednesday, Justice Minister Beat Jans announced at a press conference that a PNR program that worked in collaboration with other countries would come into effect in 2026. 

The reason given for the length of time it would take to go into effect was that a legal basis for the move does not yet exist in Swiss law—a dispatch on proposed legislation has only just been sent to the Federal Council.

Once passed by the Federal Council and then by the Council of States, the federal police will be responsible for tracking passengers via a new group – the Passenger Information Unit (PIU). 

The PIU will examine passenger manifests a day before and immediately before flights taking off or landing and compare them to shared lists of individuals involved in terrorism, organised crime, or who have committed violent crimes. 

If there is a match, information will be forwarded to authorities at the relevant airport.  

Privacy concerns 

Understandably, for the privacy-conscious Swiss, concerns have been raised. 

Both the right-wing SVP, the Greens and the SPD have voiced doubts about the security and privacy of passenger data. 

In response, the government has announced that all passenger data except for that relates to those linked to terrorist groups will be deleted after six months. 

To further ease concerns, Switzerland’s PNR system will be constantly monitored by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act.

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